What’s next, Gen X? Say hi to social adventures for solo travelers aged 45-59

50 is a prime number. Spiritually, not mathematically.

A decade ago, Flash Pack reinvented the travel industry with our unique take on social adventures – and now we’re set to do it all over again. For the past 10 years, we’ve built a huge global community via our immersive group trips, featuring compelling experiences, local Pack Leaders and friendships that last a lifetime.

Our original and thrilling approach to group travel has set a new industry standard for solo travelers in their 30s and 40s. But why should they have all the fun? By popular demand, Flash Pack is now spreading its wings to the 45 and over age group, bringing our signature offering to adventurous Gen X’ers (aged between 44 and 59 years in 2024).

Our new 45-59 group trips are here to shake up the status quo

“Whether you consider 50 to be the new 30, or mid-life the new max-life, there’s little doubt that the over-45 demographic – often dubbed ‘the Forgotten Generation’ – represents a huge opportunity in the travel sector,” says co-founder and CEO, Radha Vyas. “The face of Gen X is changing fast. This is a category with huge spending potential and a baked-in appetite for new experiences and transformative memories. 

“Our own data shows that today’s 50-somethings are craving adventure on a level that goes far beyond a baseline of dull cruises or sterile coach trips, “ Radha continues. “With disruption woven into the roots of our brand, Flash Pack is ideally placed to drive that change. Our new 45-59 group trips are here to shake up the status quo, creating a fresh definition for social travel aimed at mid-life professionals.”

The Gen X age bracket covers a cohort of people who are increasingly single, divorced or looking for new horizons after their kids have left home. According to analysis from Pew Research Center, adults born from the 1960s onwards have been increasingly delaying marriage; and a growing number are avoiding it altogether. Moreover, one in five people aged 50 and older have never had children, and half of all singles are prioritizing other life goals over and above dating or being in a relationship.

Meanwhile, a 2023 report from global media agency Wavemaker found that Gen X’ers are on track to be the most affluent generation of all time, inheriting $70tn of wealth from the Boomers above them. This new wave of headstrong mid-lifers crave original, premium travel experiences (Mintel), amid a strong sense of autonomy and life purpose (Mather Institute).

Mid-lifers are purpose driven and crave original experiences

“Our blueprint for group social adventures has created 150,000 friendships to date – putting us on-track for a one-million mark record,” says Flash Pack co-founder, Lee Thompson. “By putting group dynamics at the forefront of our travel offering, we’ve challenged the industry to up the ante – with a standout business model that has sparked multiple copycat companies.

“We are beyond excited to be able to expand this vision to solo travelers aged 45 and over. It’s something older Flash Pack customers have been asking about for some time now. And, when you look at what exists for this age group in the current market, there’s so much room to change things up. This is not a time of life when solo travelers narrow their expectations. To the contrary, they have the funds and life experience to discover and explore more than ever. Local cultures, new friendships, hand-picked hotels and boutique activities: everything’s up for grabs.”

A massive 80% of Flashpackers stay in touch after their adventures have ended – despite most being total strangers just weeks before. The new 45-59 demographic can tap into this unique friendship formula, via comfort-busting global trips that set the stage for meaningful connections. 

So if you, like us, think age is just a number – you’ve come to the right place. Pop by this page to find out more and gain exclusive access to Flash Pack’s new, mid-life travel concept. You asked, we delivered: the adventure begins right here…

Want to sample the delights of social travel yourself? Come right in. Flash Pack is a global travel company that specializes in small group adventures for like-minded people in their 30, 40s and 50s. Find out more about our mission to form one million worldwide friendships or join our community on Instagram.